Aubrey Huff was awful last season. This we know. Before today’s game Bruce Bochy told me Huff has a better attitude this season. Bochy mostly spoke about Huff starting the season in better shape. And that’s true. So far, this game he’s hit two balls hard.

But there’s something else about his attitude. After Barry Zito pitched his shoutout in Denver, Huff invited the Giants players to dinner — they had an off day the next day. About half the team came to dinner at a local restaurant — others had family and other personal obligations. “I’m a big team chemistry guy,” Huff told me. “You want to get everybody together, and the young players aren’t going to do it. It’s a chance to kick back and relax.”

I’d like to think this also is part of Huff’s new improved attitude. FYI, he picked up the tab.